1917: FORT JACKSON S FIRST YEAR P16-17 www.fortjacksonleader.com 100 YEARS LATER... FORT JACKSON CELEBRATES A CENTURY OF SERVICE CENTENNIAL BATTALION GETS READY TO GRADUATE P8-11 THE BIG 100 CELEBRATION BLASTS OFF WITH SONG, FIREWORKS, PARACHUTES P3 LEONARD NIMOY, JIM CROCE & FORT JACKSON P27
File photo ON THE COVER A Soldier with 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment Fort Jackson s Centennial Battalion learns his way around the hand grenade range during Basic Combat Training. SEE PAGE 8 Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207 This civilian enterprise newspaper, which has a circulation of 10,000, is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of the Fort Jackson Leader are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, Department of the Army or Fort Jackson. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of the Army or Camden Media Co. of the firms, products or services advertised. All editorial content of the Fort Jackson Leader is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the Public Affairs Office of Fort Jackson. The Fort Jackson Leader is published by Camden Media Co., a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Army, under exclusive written contract with Fort Jackson. The civilian printer is responsible for commercial advertising. For display advertising rates and information call 803-432-6157 or write Camden Media Company, P.O. Box 1137, Camden, S.C. 29020. For classified advertising information only: call 800-698-3514 or e-mail nwilson@chronicleindependent.com or fax 803-432-7609. For questions or concerns about subscriptions, call 803-432-6157. To submit articles, story ideas or announcements, write the Fort Jackson Leader, Fort Jackson, S.C. 29207, call 803-751-7045 or e-mail fjleader@gmail.com. Commanding General... Maj. Gen. John P. Johnson Garrison Commander... Col. James W. Ellerson Jr. Public Affairs Officer... Michael B. Pond Garrison Public Affairs Officer... Patrick Jones Command Information Officer... Christopher Fletcher Editor... Wallace McBride Staff Writer...Robert Timmons Staff Writer...Demetria Mosley Website: www.fortjacksonleader.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/fortjackson Twitter: www.twitter.com/fortjacksonpao Instagram: www.instagram.com/fortjacksonpao Community Calendar TODAY Storytime at the Library 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m., Thomas Lee Hall Library. For more information, call 751-5589. FRIDAY Change of Command command of the 3rd Battalion, 39th E. Slagle. CENTENNIAL Jackson Centennial Birthday Ball - - - at https://fjcentennialbirthdayball17. eventbrite.com. WEDNESDAY Marble Maze Day For more information, call 751-5589. JUNE 16 Change of Command JUNE 21 Home Buying Seminar from beginning to end. The free seminar is open to all ID card holders. For additional information JUNE 20 Porkchop Productions Presents The Three Little Pigs 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Thomas Lee Hall For more information, call 751-5589. JUNE 21-23 Army Human Resources Conference Jackson attendees. This is a senior HR leader conference and attendees Robert.Ortiz-Abreu.ctr@mail.mil or necessary to attend. JUNE 23 Garrison Organizational Day and Farewell JULY 5 Arts & Crafts Day For more information, call 751-5589. JULY 12 Science Experiment Day SEND ALL SUBMISSIONS TO FJLeader@gmail.com Deadline for events to be included in the calendar or Happenings is one week before publication. Include the time, date and place the event will occur, as well as other necessary information. If you submit an article on an event that already has taken place, please send it as soon as possible. Tuesday is the last day we will we be able to accept an article for publication the following Thursday. Include the date and place of the event, as well as a description of what took place. Please include quotations, if possible. With any photo you submit, and last names. Questions? Call 751-7045. Join us on FACEBOOK. Visit FACEBOOK.COM/FORTJACKSON and click like. TWITTER: @FORTJACKSONPAO INSTAGRAM: @FORTJACKSONPAO
NEWS The turn of a century Centennial celebration blasts off amid song, fireworks and parachutes By ROBERT TIMMONS Fort Jackson Leader For the past year Fort Jackson held various events honoring the 100th birthday of the Army s premier training post. The post s year-long Centennial celebration burst forth at Hilton Field June 3 with a free concert, rides for kids and a post ran in formation, while later a birthday cake was cut moments before the start of a golf tournament at the Fort Jackson Golf Club. The culminating event of the celebration included a free concert from country music legend Hunter Hayes with a special appearance from former American Idol contestant Kellie Pickler and a Golden Knights parachute demonstration. Thank you for coming to our Centennial celebration, said Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson, Fort Jackson s commander moments before the music started. That is 100 years of dedicated service working to train this Army one Festivities at Hilton Field began earlier that day with mascots of various sports teams and organizations across the Midlands visiting Fort Jackson community members at an area ties aimed at youngsters. The concert not only showcased top-notch musical talent, but it allowed residents of the Midlands to see parts of their Army they don t usually see the Golden Knights Parachute Team. My life was going downhill and the Army is something I ve always wanted to join, so I went ahead and did it. I know I ll make it. Pvt. Miguel Angel Hernandez Lopez 3rd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, was one of those in uniform watching the demonstration with his troops and his Family. Knights were jumping, they were ecstatic. See CENTURY: Page 13 Photo by ROBERT TIMMONS Soldiers, Families and residents of the Midlands were treated to a rare sight Saturday night: a demonstration by the Golden Knights Parachute Team. It was part of Fort Jackson s Centennial Celebration, which also featured performances by Hunter Hayes and Kellie Pickler.
NEWS Fort Jackson Movie Schedule 3319 Jackson Blvd. Phone: 751-7488 FRIDAY King Arthur: Legend of The Sword (PG-13) 7 p.m. SATURDAY Snatched (R) 2 p.m. King Arthur: Legend of The Sword (PG-13) 5 p.m. SUNDAY Snatched (R) 2 p.m. King Arthur: Legend of The Sword (PG-13) 5 p.m. TICKETS Adult: $6 / Child (6 to 11): $4 3-D TICKETS Adult: $8 Child (6 to 11): $6 Photos by WALLACE MCBRIDE From left, Fort Jackson Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson, Drill Sergeant of the Year, Staff Sgt. Christopher Carney, Soldier of the Year, Spc. Kiara Dale, Civilian of the Quarter, Brian Bicek, of FMWR Information Technology, and Post Command Sgt. Maj. Lamont Christian cut a birthday cake marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of Fort Jackson. We re the lucky ones Commanding General: Fort Jackson s centennial an opportunity for reflection By WALLACE MCBRIDE Fort Jackson Leader What s a birthday party without a cake? - - - - - Friday s cake cutting ceremony was followed immediately by a tournament that brought out golfers many of them retired military for a tournament. Some of the participants were local; others travelled from as far away as Virginia to take part in the event. Ticket sales open 30 minutes before each movie. Movie times and schedule are subject to change without notice. WWW.SHOPMYEXCHANGE.COM Fort Jackson Gate Operation Hours GATE 1 Open 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for inbound and outbound traffic. GATE 2 Open around the clock daily. GATE 4 Open 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for inbound and outbound traffic. GATE 5 Open 5 to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday for inbound and outbound traffic. Closed 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reopened 4 to 6 p.m. for outbound traffic only. Open 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
NEWS Photo by DEMETRIA MOSLEY Being out in nature makes me feel more spiritual, said Pfc. Michael Chaves of 3rd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment who became a level one Latter-day Saints Priest during his third week of Basic Combat Training. I want to be a good example Soldier in training answers call to join priesthood By DEMETRIA MOSLEY Fort Jackson Leader The calling hit him out of nowhere, and the overwhelming desire to just do it took over him. It just hit me all at once, said Pfc. Michael Chavez of 3rd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment. I m kind of like a snake, but not in the bad way. I wait until I know what it is that I want to strike for and then I strike for it and I know I m not going to miss it. After attending service for the Latter-day Training at Fort Jackson, Chavez walked up to the person in charge ready to make a big change to his life. Chavez wanted to become a priest. A bunch of people in my platoon asked me, Hey, why d you do it? he said. I told them know. Mine is spiritual. Priest for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. When he leaves for Advanced Individual Training at Fort Gordon, Georgia, in July, he will become a level two priest. I thought I should take on more responsibilities than I already have to help me stay on track better, he said. No stranger to military life, Chavez s Grandfather served during WWII and his father was in the National Guard for 12 years. 1st Lt. Ronnel Baris, commander of Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, said Chavez s decision was inspirational. He s going to help make his battle buddies spiritually stronger with faith, he said. They are going to be so fortunate to have him. Chavez said one of the reasons why he joined the Army was to be an example for his Family. I have some cousins and nephews that are struggling with discipline and learning how equally. Clearly, I haven t been deployed I most people won t trust someone unless they ve done it. They are really smart kids and I wanted them to have something to look up to. I want to be a good example. Chavez said he respected everybody in the military especially the drill sergeants. His drill sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Jimmy Hunter, said Chavez is one of two older Soldiers that like to help out their younger comrades. I got on him about the look on his face. He has a real serious look to him said Hunter. Later when we did introductions he told the group Don t judge me by my facial expressions. You can come to me if you need anything. I m here to help.
NEWS Photos by ROBERT TIMMONS Steve Benjamin, mayor of Columbia, shares a joke during the final installment of the Centennial Lecture Series titled, Looking to the Future. Benjamin and Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson, Fort Jackson and Army Training Center commander, spoke about how the post and the Midlands are intertwined. Jackson, city leaders laud post centennial By ROBERT TIMMONS Fort Jackson Leader Many things can happen to an installation like Fort Jackson over the course of 100 years. A few buildings would sprout out of a swampy forest in order to train Doughboys to go over there; be torn down; be rebuilt on a much grander scale for an even larger war and last decades longer than the builders ever expected. Some of the wooden World War II structures would remain dier to pass through the crucible of the civilian-to-soldier transformation. What the installation may look like in the next century is murky, but one thing is certain Fort Jackson will remain the premier training post in the Army, Fort Jackson installment of the Centennial Lecture Series titled Looking to the Future. Johnson and Columbia, South Carolina Mayor Steve Benjamin spoke fondly about how the installation profoundly affects the Midlands and how a partnership between the communities will continue in speeches rounding out a series of lectures that highlighted how the post grew from its humble origins to become the largest Initial Entry Training establishment in the Army, and led the military s racial and gender integration efforts. of business actually was to invest ourselves back into our history, Johnson said. The history of Fort Jackson is an enduring legacy for this nation. Fort Jackson, which started as a World War I training base has trained over 5 million Soldiers he said. Since the installation began as one of 16 cantonments supporting that build up, the post s primary mission has been and remains to transform civilians into Soldiers. The installation trains as many Soldiers as some nations have in their armies. See CITY: Page 22 Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson, Fort Jackson and Army Training Center commander, applauds after giving Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, a standing Andy for his participation in the final installment of the Centennial Lecture Series June 1.
FEATURE How to make an American Soldier Fort Jackson s Centennial Battalion Third Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment picked up a new cycle March 31 and April 3 called the Centennial Battalion. The unit earned the moniker by having the distinction of graduating during Fort Jackson s 100-year anniversary celebration week. Soldiers in Training in the Centennial Battalion were documented by the Leader throughout the cycle culminating with their graduation. Above, Staff Sgt. Jason Avina, a senior drill sergeant with Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, motivates Soldiers in Training to lift their bags higher and to line up properly in the company area during the unit s cycle pick up. Right, Staff Sgt. Elease Jones, a drill sergeant with Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, motivates a Soldier in Training to hurry off the bus from the 120th Adjutant General Battalion (Reception). See more photos from the Centennial Battaion s training online at. w Week 1 The focus of this first week of Basic Combat Training is learning how to look, act and walk like a Soldier. The first three weeks of BCT are referred to as Red Phase, and are considered to be the most difficult phase of training. Soldiers in training with 3rd Battalion 34th Infantry Regiment received the moniker of Centennial Battalion even before they took their first push-up, looked at their first map, or stepped into a gas chamber During the first week, the Soldiers faced their fears on Victory Tower and began the process of becoming experts in basic rifle marksmanship. w Week 2 Still in the Red Phase, Soldiers in training with 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment visited the ranges at Fort Jackson and practice for the first time firing live ammo in their M4 carbines. Soldiers must learn breathing techniques, stance and mechanics before they are allowed to fire a single round. w Week 3 As Red Phase came to close Soldiers in Training with the Centennial Battalion honed their rifle marksmanship on the known distance range. The Soldiers, with the aid of computers, were able to track their accuracy on computer screens. Later in the week, the Soldiers would be tested on what they learned so far. See SOLDIER: Page 9
FEATURE How to make an American Soldier Continued from Page 8 w Week 5 Soldiers reached the half-way point of Basic Combat Training as they navigated the installation s confidence course, prepared to throw hand grenades and crawl under machine gun fire. At the confidence course, Soldiers had to use balance, agility and strength as they went through a course meant to test their mental and physical stamina. The course required them to climb over obstacles like the weaver and to cross an area by stepping on posts of varying heights. w Week 4 The second phase of Basic Combat Training shifted from an emphasis on individual tasks to others requiring more teamwork. Week Four also ushered in the Soldiers first taste of field training exercises, rifle combat techniques and pugil sticks. w Week 6 At the ranges, Soldiers sorted through the rounds to check for any unused bullets. Always putting safety first, Soldiers geared up to protect themselves while navigating through Omaha Beach, Fort Jackson s live fire and movement range. In teams of two, the Soldiers fired live ammunition as they moved through the course. w Week 7 In week seven, the Centennial Battalion concentrated on navigating the Omaha buddy team range, prepping for their field training exercise and learning how to use hand grenades effectively. At the Remagen Hand Grenade Qualification Range, Soldiers in training moved in two-man assault teams through a lane dotted with obstacles and enemy positions. w Week 8 In week eight, the Centennial Battalion completed Victory Forge and were the first battalion to conduct Foot March 4 where they stopped at Range 1 to fire near the end of a foot march. Above, Alpha Company led the battalion on the foot march departing at 3 p.m. and arriving at the range at 7:30 p.m. The company briefly paused a short way from the range to conduct a quick safety briefing and remove blank adaptors before marching the final way to the range where they received live ammunition and fired at stationary targets. w Week 9 The penultimate week of BCT is all about the Soldier and their Families. After completing the final training events, which included a week of field training and a road march, Soldiers prepped for graduation. Soldiers were given a day with their Families to catch up and share their experiences. Today, the Centennial Battalion graduates, its Soldiers soon heading to their next phase of their training. See more photos from the Centennial Battaion s training online at.
FEATURE The more things change... As you might have heard, Fort Jackson celebrated its 100th birthday this week. Army training has steadily evolved over the last century, but many of its fundamental aspects would look familiar to even its earliest trainees. Pictured are Soldiers with the 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, Fort Jackson s Centennial Battalion, contrasted with photos of Soldiers in training circa World War I.
I became a soldier... NEWS 3RD BATTALION, 34TH INFANTRY REGIMENT NEWS SPC. DAMION NAVARRO, 28 Puerto Rico SPC. ALISA NUSSMAN, 30 Spring Lake, North Carolina - - - SPC. JOSEPH LUCERO, 26 Strasburg, Colorado, - SPC. RAYMOND POLK, 27 Phoenix, Arizona - SPC. JENNIFER CARROLL, 30 Trenton, New Jersey PVT. RICARDO RIOZA, 24 Fontana, California - -
NEWS 1OO th Birthday Run Fort Jackson Soldiers came out in force June 2 as they sang cadence while running through the main post celebrating the installation s 100th anniversary. Photos by ROBERT TIMMONS Clockwise from above: Command Sgt. Maj. Lamont Christian, the post s senior enlisted leader, congratulates units as they pass Post Headquarters on Jackson Street. The Fort Jackson Salute Battery fires off a cannon for each unit that passed post headquarters. Soldiers in Training run in formation down Jackson Street at the beginning of the run. Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson, Fort Jackson commander, speaks to the assembled formation about the importance of Fort Jackson. Soldiers feet hit the ground in rhythm as they run. The sun beams through the assembled formation as they march to their place in line. Soldiers salute during Reveille. The first formation passes post headquarters.
NEWS Photo by JENNIFER STRIDE Soldiers cheer during a performance Saturday night at Hilton Field by singer Hunter Hayes. Fort Jackson celebrated its 100th birthday last weekend with a series of events at the field, including a parachute demonstration, fireworks, food and Family activities. Century Continued from Page 3 The demonstration had the desired effect of helping Army recruitment with at least one person at the event, Tagle s son Landon, but it might take a while for him to sign up since he s 6 years old. My wife and son were right here watching the jump, Tagle said. My son was like, I want to jump out of airplanes all of a sudden. After the jump individual Golden Knights received help from some small helpers like 6-year-old Wilson Black, who helped Staff Sgt. Kenneth Severin pack his parachute. Black was at a loss for words after helping Severin, but said he really liked the rides. The demonstration also brought together Pvt. Jacob Floyd and his stepfather Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney O Dell, the Golden Knights senior enlisted leader. Floyd, who graduates in three weeks hadn t seen O Dell in eight weeks and had never seen the Knights in action before. When the music began pumping and pecially the large congregation of Soldiers in Training sang along with the songs, and bobbed their heads in rhythm. Pickler, who has visited Service members across the globe with the USO, got the crowd warmed up and even made the night special for one Soldier Pvt. Miguel Angel Hernandez Lopez with Alpha Company 3rd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment whom she kissed on the cheek. Basic (Combat Training) is fun, he said after meeting her. It s worth it. My life was going downhill and the Army is something I ve always wanted to join, so I went ahead and did it. I know I ll make it that s if I don t get smoked tomorrow for getting that kiss tonight. As the sun went down, Hayes took the stage showcasing his talents with multiple instruments and vocal prowess singing his top songs. Once his hour-long set ended the sky was lit with the booms and explosions of For Spc. Aurelio Rodriguez, with 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, who sang along with every song played, the concert was a welcome reminder of where he grew up. I am absolutely loving it, he said. It reminds me of home. Oh man, it s fantastic (to watch a concert during basic training). It s an awesome feeling. Photo by ROBERT TIMMONS Photo by JENNIFER STRIDE Photo by JENNIFER STRIDE Top, Wilson Black, 6, helps Staff Sgt. Kenneth Severin pack his parachute following a demonstration by the Golden Knights Parachute Team. Above left, Pvt. Miguel Angel Hernandez Lopez with Alpha Company 3rd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, gets a hug from singer Kellie Pickler. Above right, Saturday s celebration was capped with a fireworks display.
NEWS Photo courtesy of the Rhode Island Secretary of State historical archives Soldiers with the 1st Rhode Island U.S. Volunteer Infantry at Camp Fornance make snowballs following an 1899 blizzard in Columbia, S.C. Fornance was one of five Army camps established in the greater Columbia area during the Spanish-American War, posts which later led to the establishment of Camp Jackson and, later, Fort Jackson. Camp Fornance was located in an area now known as Marshall Park. Once upon a time... Before Fort Jackson, Columbia was home to five smaller Army camps By ANGELO PERRI Special to the Leader Photo courtesy of the Tennessee State Library During the Spanish-American War, Camp Fornance was home to a regimental hospital established by the 2nd Tennessee Infantry. Pictured from left are Maj. George W. Seay, Pvt. Bob McIlwain, Orderly Murtaugh (or horseback) and Tom Russell. While Fort Jackson formally began in 1917, the installation s roots date back to the the Spanish-American War were camped in and around Columbia. When the Civil War ended in 1865, Columbia s population was only 6,000 people. By comparison, Atlanta s population at the time was only 10,000 people. A federal army remained in Columbia until 1877, a 12-year period referred to as the Reconstruction Era. In 1898, Columbia had reached 15,000 people and, with the outbreak of the Spanish American War, the U.S. Army returned and Camp Ellerbee was located at what is now Hyatt Park; Camp Dewey at what is now Earlwood Park; Camp Fornance at the junction of River Road and North Main Street (now a small public housing project); Camp Prospect at Lynch Park off of Elmwood; and Camp Fitzhugh Lee at what is now Martin Luther King Park in Five Points. The key to Columbia s location was its accessibility to water, because horses were the main means of transportation. Automobiles did not exist at the time. Two of these camps were close to Columbia College with about 100 female students who dated the Army Soldiers. This was unusual since the reconstruction occupation had ended only 21 years before and many of their fathers, uncles or grandfathers had fought for the Confederacy and still resented the Army. However, there were no animosities or hard feelings among the co-eds and Federal troops. It was a very short war, but the event went so well that the Columbia Chamber of Commerce decided to try and obtain a permanent Army camp for the area. When World War I broke out in 1914, the War Department, concerned that the U.S. would eventually enter, began to look for locations to set up training camps. The Army s positive experiences in Columbia in 1898 was not forgotten, and then Maj. Douglas MacArthur was sent to survey the area. MacArthur chose the area that is now Fort Jackson as a location and, when the U.S. entered World War I in 1917, Camp Jackson was established. More than 40,000 troops were here at one time when the population of Columbia was less than 30,000. 20 million people worldwide, and at one time more than 2,000 Soldiers were hospitalized at Fort Jackson. The war ended in 1918 and, by 1922, Camp Jackson s temporary buildings were torn down, except for the building that is today is called the Dozier House. It was occupied by World War I Medal of Honor recipient James Dozier, who served as caretaker of the area and later became the S.C. Adjutant General. The post was usually opened in summers for National Guard training. With the outbreak of World War II, Camp Jackson was rebuilt in a matter of months with 10,000 workmen here at one time. More than 40,000 troops were on post while Columbia had reached a population of 60,000 people. See CAMPS: Page 15
Camps Continued from Page 14 At the time, Fort Jackson contained all the land east of Decker Boulevard between Percival Road and Two Notch Road, all the way to Hwy. 601. The 52,000 acres that exist today, and also the area between Leesburg Road and Sumter Highway all the way to Hwy. 601 was also available for training. At one time a trio of full-strength 10,000 men infantry divisions were on the post. Also a German POW camp was located in what is today the Rockbridge area. In 1942 Winston Churchill visited Fort Jackson to review the troops. Churchill was impressed and it eased his doubts about the U.S. Army s ability to raise a large army considering that, from the end of World War I in 1918 until 1940, the U.S. Army had only consisted of 180,000 men scattered over many small installations. The war ended in 1945 and Fort Jackson became a basic training center. Basic training then was 16 weeks since a World War II law required no Soldier could be months in the U.S. By 1950, the Army had shrunk to less than 500,000 and plans were made to close the post. By May 1950 a small detachment of less than 140 troops remained mainly as caretakers. The outbreak of the Korean War on June 25, 1950, changed that, and Fort Jackson reopened as a major basic training center and prepared activated Army divisions mainly for overseas duty. At that time the Army was segregated and new draftees/enlistees were assigned to separate units to undergo basic training. The problem was that the post could not control what new inductees arrived by race, so the post commander decided independently that as new men arrived regardless of race they would be placed into 200-man units to start training. This practice was later adopted by all other basic training centers. The Korean War ended in July 1953 and the post continued training new arrivals as it does today. women have at one time trained at Fort Jackson. Today the installation trains 50 percent of new male recruits and 60 percent of new female recruits. These trainees are designated primarily for the Army s administrative and logistical branches such as the Adjutant General Corps (Administrative) Finance Corps, Quartermaster, Transportation, Chaplain and Legal Assistance, etc. Those enlisted for the combat arms, Infantry take their basic training and advanced training at Fort Benning, Georgia. Those for artillery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Those for engineer, military police, and chemical corps at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Armor (tanks) trainees also go to Fort Benning, As Fort Jackson begins to celebrate its 100th Anniversary, it is well to keep in mind that had the experience of 1898 not gone well, there would be no Fort Jackson today. Maybe we also need to cite and thank the co-eds of Columbia college who made those U.S. Army Soldiers of 1898 feel welcome and appreciated. ELMWOOD GERVAIS I. DEQUINCEY NEWMAN FREEWAY NEWS Above, a map illustrates the general location of five Army camps established in the greater Columbia area during the Spanish-American War. Many of these locations today are now home to public parks. Below, Soldiers march down Main Street in Columbia during the Spanish-American War. Retired Col. Angelo Perri is a 1951 Distinguished Military Graduate of the ROTC program at the University of Akron, Perri was commissioned into the regular Army and found hims lf in Korea the following year as part of the 27th Infantry Regiment. He served as platoon leader, company commander and battalion from 1966 to 1972, a tenure that included two tours of
FORT JACKSON CENTENNIAL CMYK CMYK F O R T J A C K S O N / T H E F I R S T Y E A R 27 WEB-100 1917 MAJ. GEN. LEONARD WOOD JANUARY FEB.-MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE Jan. 12 The Columbia Chamber of Commerce writes Maj. Gen. Leonard Wood recommending sites for an Army cantonment near Columbia, South Carolina. Jan. 15 Maj. C. E. Kilbourne comes to Columbia on his inspection tour of recommended sites. The Columbia Chamber of Commerce appoints the Cantonment Committee and names Edwin Wales Robertson the chairman. Jan. 22 The Cantonment Committee secures the options to purchase 705 acres for an Army cantonment. FEB. 14 Edwin Robertson presents Columbia s case to the staff of the Department of the East at Governor s Island, New York City. March 14 Columbia residents raise $50,000 to buy and donate 1,200 acres of land for an Army cantonment. April 6 U.S. declares war on Germany. April 9 Gen. W. W. Moore, adjutant general of the Army, visits and inspects the proposed Columbia site near Dent s Pond. April 28 Options for 1,000 additional acres are secured. May 15 Col. W. B. Ladue, Maj. A. C. Dalton, and Captain J. C. H. Lee of Gen. Wood s staff meet with Edwin Robertson and thoroughly inspects proposed camp sites in Columbia. In particular, they inspect soil analysis, lay of the land, available water supply, and accessibility. May 19 Columbia is designated as a site for one of the new divisional Army training camps. May 22 Options for 344 additional acres secured; P.H. Norcross, of the Norcross, inspects the proposed camp site for the availability and purity of the water supply and for the sewage waste disposal facilities. Richard Schermerhorn, landscape architect, evaluates the site for the feasibility of placing various military units on the available property. June 2 The War Department for the location of an Army training center in Columbia, South Carolina. June 5 The draft for WWI begins. June 7 Options for 25 additional acres are secured; Maj. Gen. Leonard Wood visits Columbia to inspect the cantonment site and the railroad lines to the site. Wood comments that the camp would need to ready for occupancy by Aug.15 for troop arrival on Sept. 1. June 8 The Columbia Chamber of Commerce honors Edwin Robertson with a silver urn for his efforts to secure a cantonment in Columbia. June 11, 1917 The War Department awards the contract for the construction of the Columbia cantonment to the Hardaway Construction company of Columbus, Georgia. June 16 C. H. Whitaker, of the Hardaway Contracting EDWIN ROBERTSON Company, arrives at Columbia and assumes duties of assistant superintendent. June 17 Maj. William Couper, constructing quartermaster, arrives. SEE PAGE 22 B
NEWS Post contributes $213,000 to AER in 2017 Army Community Service After two and a half months of success- and collecting donations, the campaign extends a huge thank you to the Fort Jack- - ing paid special homage to the beginning - to make a contribution to fellow service members and so he donated the proceeds movie and musical went on to gross more - Photo by DEMETRIA MOSLEY Col. James Ellerson, Fort Jackson garrison commander, signs a ceremonial check for Fort Jackson s contributions to this year s Army Emergency Relief campaign. This year s campaign ended May 15 with nearly $213,000 in contributions. - which ensured the success of the cam- Soldiers and made it their personal mission - paign to bring awareness to the program ranks in regards to the resources available to them and how to access it may deter predatory lenders who may target Soldiers ated the strain of unpredictable emergency diers are able to completely focus on the is an essential element to maintaining the travel, rent or mortgage payments, vehicle repairs or payments, minor home repairs, Soldiers may apply in person or online at www.aerhq.org - For more information on the Financial
Restoration Advisory Board public notice Fort Jackson is conducting a community interest sur- the establishment of a Restoration Advisory Board. The - community. A RAB is an advisory board made up of interested - resentatives of local, state and federal agencies. The planned for future. - - - tion concerning environmental investigations and clean- chief, Environmental Management Branch at 751-6858, or barbara.s.williams.38.civ@mail.mil; or Zach- zachary.a.tice. ctr@mail.mil, NEWS Courtesy photo Read By Design The school year might be over, but the Summer Reading Program has just begun. Pictured are participants from Pierce Terrace Elementary School, sporting t-shirts with this year s theme, Read By Design. The Summer Reading Program ends July 22. The grand prize winners will be announced July 22 following a performance of the Columbia Marionette Theatre s The Tortoise and the Hare, which begins 2 p.m. at the library.
NEWS 1917 JACKSON JUNE JULY a FROM PAGES 16-17 June 19 Couper acquired 260 condemned National Guard tents to house African American construction workers at the cantonment. June 21 With the draining of Gill Creek swamp, construction of Camp Jackson begins. June 22 at Camp Jackson. 110 men from Company E, Carolina Infantry, with Capt. Walker in as camp guard. June 23 Construction of a railroad trestle into Camp Jackson is completed. The bridge was erected in 15 days. June 25 Construction of buildings begins. July 18 The War Department issues General Order Number 95, re-designating the cantonment as Camp Jackson in honor of President Andrew July 19 The Cantonment Realty Company was chartered with Edwin Robertson as the president, The company had $200,000 as capital stock. July 20 Columbia gifts 1,192 acres to the United condition that the land be used for a military cantonment. at Camp Jackson. SEE PAGE 26 B Saluting this BCT cycle s honorees DRILL SERGEANTS OF THE CYCLE. Photos by Nicholas Salcido DOUGLAS DALINDIN City Continued from Page 7 Staff Sgt. Trever Williams Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment DISTINGUISHED HONOR GRADUATE THE BATTALION HONOR GRADUATE OF THE CYCLE HIGH APFT Staff Sgt. Erwin Dalindin Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment HONOR GRADUATE OF THE CYCLE HIGH APFT Jackson We train the equivalent of the entire Australian Army (in Basic Combat Training) every single year, Johnson said to put into context the amount of Soldiers training at Fort Jackson each year. The number will equal the amount of personnel in the lain and other various schools around post, he added. While Johnson highlighted how Fort Jackson will continue to provide the exemplary training for the Army into the future, Benjamin spoke about how the South Carolina capital and Fort Jackson are economically and socially intertwined. The installation has a $2.3 billion annual economic impact in South Carolina, Benjamin said. Fort Jackson s training of 75,000 Soldiers annually indirectly generated 20,021 jobs. Approximately 225,000 people visit the Midlands annually, because of Fort Jackson, said the Mayor, who has been in money at the restaurants and hotels across Columbia. All across the metropolitan area and even out to Lake Murray you see these impacts of Fort Jackson on this community. If you want peace in the world, you have to have men and women of Fort Jackson helping, Benjamin added. THERIAULT RODRIGUEZ Sgt. 1st Class Eric Theriault 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment HONOR GRADUATE OF THE CYCLE HIGH APFT Sgt. 1st Class Cruz Rodriguez Echo Company, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment HONOR GRADUATE OF THE CYCLE HIGH APFT GILLELAND A good solution applied with vigor now is better than a perfect solution applied 10 minutes later. Gen. George S. Patton Jr. Staff Sgt. Timothy Gilleland Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment HONOR GRADUATE OF THE CYCLE HIGH APFT Photo by ROBERT TIMMONS Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson places the Hall of Fame medallion around the neck of Dan Hennigan June 1 during a ceremony prior to the final installment of the Centennial Lecture Series. Also inducted during last week s event were: retired Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Lathrop Palmer Utley; retired Maj. Gen. Stephen Siegfried; retired Chaplain (Col.) Samuel J. T. Boone; retired Col. Craig Currey; and retired Col. Angelo Perri.
NEWS Photo courtesy of Anderson University A statue of Cpl. Freddie Stowers was dedicated Nov. 10, 2015 outside Anderson University s Thrift Library in Anderson, S.C. Stowers military career began at Fort Jackson. In 1991, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor during World War I. Centennial profiles: Seventy-three years after his death, Cpl. Freddie Stowers was awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor ing this war. presentation of the Medal of Honor in 1991. On Sept. 28, 1918, Cpl. Freddie Stowers stood poised on the edge born and raised in Sandy Springs, South Carolina, and was part of the This image of Cpl. Freddie Stowers was generated by Army forensics from photos of his mother and sisters. Cpl. Freddie Stowers believe they were surrendering. How- - - - 1917 a FROM PAGE 22 BARTH AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER Aug. 25 Brig.Gen. Charles H. Barth, commander of the 81st Division, arrives. Barth is Camp Jackson s operational unit on the installation. While at Camp Jackson, the 81st Division fashions hand-made patches showing a wildcat (because their unit area was near Wildcat Creek) and attaches them to their uniforms. Gen. John J. Pershing likes the idea and orders all Army units to adopt shoulder sleeve insignia. Aug. 28 10,585 workers are on site to construct Camp largest number of men on the job on any single day. Sept. 5 First drafted Soldiers arrive. Oct. 3 First African American draftees arrive at Camp Jackson. Oct. 8 A YMCA for African American Soldiers opens at Camp Jackson. Nov.1 erected in front of the commander s HQ. At 153 pole in America at the time. Nov. 7 has a capacity of 1,000 patients, a receiving ward, an isolation ward, a psychiatric ward, an operating room, a chapel and a mortuary. SEE PAGE 27 B
Centennial profiles: More than a decade before donning the blue velour Leonard Nimoy wore olive drab fatigues of an Army Nimoy was a struggling actor during the 1950s, with just a handful of stage and screen credits to his name. Some served him well, such as the title role in the 1952 rial Zombies of the Stratosphere, made that same year, merely paid a few bills. In 1953, Nimoy joined the U.S. Army Reserves. His Georgia, and Fort McPherson, Georgia, but it all started for him with Basic Combat Training here at Fort Jackson. As a Soldier, Nimoy was part of the Special Services Division, created in 1940 to serve as the military s entertainment branch. Actors and musicians joined and served their country by entertaining their fellow soldiers. During his time in the Army, Nimoy played a Soldier with PTSD in Combat Psychiatry The Division Psy- 1973, so much of the information about his military career has been lost. According to the Veterans Administration, Nimoy was discharged in 1955 as a technician 3rd grade, which was equivalent to the WWII-era rank of staff sergeant. Shortly after his stretch in the Army Reserves, Nimoy resumed his acting career. In 1965 he found his most famous role as Spock on Star Trek, a performance that wouldn t air on television until the show was broadcast Will the real Leroy Brown please stand up? Rock and roll mythology has it that the anti-hero of Jim Croce s 1972 song Bad, Bad Leroy Brown was based on a Soldier he knew while in Basic Combat Training here at Fort Jackson. I met this guy down there, who was in the company, his name was Leroy Brown, Croce tells the audience on the live album, Have You Heard: Jim Croce Live, recorded in 1973. Now, Leroy was one of those guys who didn t know the meaning of No. You tell Leroy to do one thing, and Leroy would do another thing. He was just one of those kind of characters. Bad, Bad Leroy Brown was released as a single in March 1973, eventually reaching #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Sadly, Croce was killed in a plane crash on Sept. 20, 1973. The world has since been debating the origins of Leroy Brown, a debate that Croce s con- of the story claims that Leroy Brown was one of Croce s platoon sergeants at Fort Jackson, while another places him as a Soldier from Fort Dix, New Jersey. Leroy Brown is somebody I met in the United of being a Field Communications crewman, which is a wire man, Croce says in an essay penned by his widow, Ingrid, for the book Jim Croce Anthology Songbook: The Stories Behind the Songs. After a few weeks at Fort Dix, Croce said, Brown arrested a few weeks later after returning to pick up his paycheck. (That s Not the Way It Feels) was indisputably about Fort Jackson, though. Leonard Nimoy On Veterans Day in 2013, Leonard Nimoy posted a photo of himself on Twitter in uniform, a mop positioned on his shoulder. the following year. Nimoy died of complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 2015 at the age of 83. Jim Croce Singer Jim Croce recorded numerous songs about his time in the Army, some of which were inspired by his experiences at Fort Jackson. PX, waiting to use one of the outdoor phones, Croce says in Jim Croce Anthology Songbook. There wasn t a phone booth. It was just stuck up on one side of the building, and there were about 200 guys in each line waiting to see if their Dear John letters were true. NEWS 1917 a FROM PAGE 26 BAKER BAILEY NOVEMBER DECEMBER Nov.10 French soldiers arrive at Camp Jackson to assist with training. Nov.13 The Knights of Columbus Hall on Jackson Circle opens. 1,000 horses stampede at the Remount Depot at Camp Jackson after the water main bursts. Dec.1 Secretary of War Newton D. Baker visits Camp Jackson. Dec.5 The base hospital at Camp Jackson is placed under quarantine for spinal meningitis after thirteen Soldiers came down with the disease All assembly places, including the YMCA, the theater, and the Knights of Columbus Hall are also closed. Dec. 15 Brig.Gen. Charles Bailey, Camp Jackson, issues an order forbidding Soldiers of Camp Jackson from attending theaters, clubs, and any other covered place of assembly in Columbia. the camp are permitted in the city except when business, and even then it is necessary for Soldiers to be examined and found free of the meningitis germs. Dec. 22 Initial construction of Camp Jackson is completed. Hardaway Contracting turns over the entire camp to the Army.